References to "aircars" have been found as early as 1871 (New York Times). "Aerocars" appeared in science fiction as early as 1929.

The first working flying car was probably Waldo Waterman's 1937 Aerobile. It had a wingspan of 38 feet and a length of 20 feet 6 inches. A Studebaker engine provided power for flight as well as on-road driving. It could fly at 110 MPH and drive at 55 MPH.